An open-air food market in Tokyo has blended bamboo craft with 3D printing. The project, called “The Hungry Caterpillar”, was designed by Mumbai-based Lyth Design led by Apoorva Shroff.

The 650 square-metre market uses a bamboo gridshell structure with spans of up to 19 metres. The bamboo members are woven at a 45-degree angle. The design is inspired by Eric Carle’s children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

The food kitchens are 3D-printed in concrete by Japanese firm Micob. The furniture is made from recycled plastic by local maker Placyle. The project mixes traditional Japanese craft with new construction technology.

The market appeared in the Dezeen Awards 2026 APAC showcase. The design has been praised for its playful form and sustainable materials.

The project sits in Tokyo, one of the world’s leading food cities. Open-air markets are popular there, but few combine bamboo construction with 3D-printed kitchens. The design team says the structure can be disassembled and relocated.

The food street brings together street-food vendors under one roof. Visitors can eat, socialise and experience a space that feels both natural and futuristic. The market shows how traditional materials and digital fabrication can work together.